Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once inseparable siblings. Miserable, Addie can’t wait to visit her friend in Italy and leave her brother—and her problems—behind.

So when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s able to finally escape her anxious mind and Ian’s criticism.

And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute, Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.

That is if they don’t get completely lost along the way.

Do you ever pick up a book because of the setting? There is something exciting about books with travel and road trips that always scream at me to read them but add in a location of Ireland and I’m sold! I came thisclose to a trip to Ireland a few years ago but had to turn it down, so it was fun to experience Ireland through the pages of Love & Luck!

The novel starts off as Addie is rolling down the hill, ‘aaaaas-youuuuu-wiiiiiish’ style (seriously, same hill they used in the Princess Bride movie!) after a scuffle with her brother Ian during her aunt’s wedding.

We are alluded to an event happening earlier in the summer between Addie and her long time crush who is on the football team with Ian. Whatever happened is deeply personal and upsetting to Addie and Ian insists she tell her mom as soon as possible despite her insistence that she isn’t ready to. This causes some major strife between the usually close siblings, hence the wrestlemania style fighting we witness at the beginning. Addie and Ian have plans to break off from their family for a few days to visit Addie’s friend in Italy (those who have read Love & Gelato will recognize this character) so their mom threatens them to get along on the trip or else they are off their beloved sports teams when they return home. But Ian secretly has other plans than Italy in mind and they end up on a tour of Ireland with a new friend named Rowan. What could go wrong? Lots!

In the beginning, I wasn’t too sure about these characters. The fighting was so over the top and quite childish to the extremes they took it, BUT I remember some fights with my sister at that age that were a little ridiculous as well so, yeah. LOL Addie is heartbroken over something, the details of which are slowly revealed as we read. But Ian has some secrets too. This road trip is very important to him and though Addie only initially sticks around for more selfish reasons, soon it becomes obvious just how close of a bond they do have. Slowly the anger is stripped away revealing such a strong love for each other. I desperately wanted to know more about what caused Addie’s heartbreak and the initial strife between her and her brother and it was about halfway through the story that I realized just how much I was invested with how the events were unfolding and the amazing character development that presented itself. Addie has such determination and strength and I truly felt for her situation and loved how mature she ends up handling it. And of course seeing just how amazing and supportive these siblings were once they got past their issues made me love them even more.

Some additional aspects I loved included this advice/guide book Addie discovers. It pairs these little tasks that are designed to help let go of heartache with traveling and sightseeing around Ireland. And it turned out that their new traveling buddy, Rowan, is also going through some personal issues and is all in with following the book along with Addie. The book had quite a personality and I found the task to be sweet and exactly what they all needed. Speaking of Rowan, I loved him, okay? He found himself stuck between feuding siblings and made the most of it and helped bring them together again. This is not much of a romance but I love that we get just a hint of one and it totally works for the story.

This book was adorably fun and really stressed the importance of being yourself, acceptance of the things you can’t control, family and friendship. It was one of those reads that sneaked up on me, meaning I was liking the ride but once I got towards the end I realized just how impactful and wonderful the story was. The ending was absolutely perfect! Since we briefly meet a character or two from Love & Gelato I would love to check that one out now as well!

About Jenna Evans Welch

Jenna Evans Welch was the kind of insatiable child reader who had no choice but to grow up to become a writer. She is the New York Times Bestselling author of LOVE & GELATO and the upcoming LOVE & LUCK.

When she isn’t writing girl abroad stories, Jenna can be found chasing her children or making elaborate messes in the kitchen. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and two young children.

I am a fan of this book. I thought it would be a romance like the first book, but was OK when I realized it was a story of friendship and family, because it was done so well. That scene in the woods at the Electric Picnic brought tears to my eyes.Sam@WLABB recently posted…Sundays with Sam – The Sunday Post

Ohh I got this book even before I read any reviews. I love road trips books and when I learned when this one was in Ireland (A place I want to visit) I had to get it. Your review just made me even more excited and can’t wait to read it. Awesome review, Sara.Helena @The Life of a Booknerd Addict recently posted…Can’t-wait Wednesday: Wildcard by Marie Lu

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In accordance to the FTC guidelines, I must state that I make no monetary gains from my reviews or endorsements here on Forever 17 Books. All books I review are either bought by myself, won, or received in exchange for an honest review.